Officials blame mechanical disruptions, bad weather, and a struggling economy for a ridership decline in September and year-to-date overall.

Daily commuter Bob Lasay, however, points to another factor.

“Other than fares increasing, it’s probably last year a lot of people who can’t afford the regular rate,” Lasay told WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs. “As long as they keep increasing the pricing, I think ridership will go down.”

Some experts, however, blame the economy. History, they say, shows that when the economy is up, so is ridership.

Mike Xirinachs

Radio is my DREAM COME TRUE! It's never been just a job or profession, no, not for me. A childhood dream come true that literally rescued this inner-city boy from a struggling existance. It's broadcasting that fuels my passion for life, providing...

After the next planned fare increase, I can actually drive my BIG AMERICAN GAS GUZZLER into Queens and take a subway to Manhattan for less than the LIRR will cost me. If I can do that with my vehicle, think about everyone else with the little rice-burners getting 25+ MPG. Where is the incentive to take public transportation? The new train cars suck, they are already loud, squeeky and rickety. For the largest commuter railroad, it is very poorly run. Someone should be held accountable for this system.

$306.00 a month to ride to mostly poorly operated railroad in the country !! What do they expect ????? Then they spend how many millions to put in 64 new lamp posts, new railings, new shelters on my platform … ALL COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY !!!!!!!!